• Wojciech Konczalik, Sherief Elsayed, and Bronek Boszczyk.
• University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK, wojtekonczalik@gmail.com.
• Eur Spine J. 2014 Apr 1; 23 Suppl 1: S40-54.

ObjectivesThe objective of our paper was to ascertain the self-reported competency level of surgeons who had completed a 1-year spine fellowship versus those who had not. Our secondary objective was to determine whether there was any difference between orthopaedic and neurosurgeons.MethodsA 60 question online questionnaire was provided to AOSpine Europe members for completion online.Results289 members provided a response, of which 64% were orthopaedic surgeons and 31% neurosurgeons (5% did not specify). Eighty (28%) had completed a 1-year fellowship. Theoretical and practical knowledge of the management of spinal deformity was the greatest difference seen upon completing a fellowship. Multiple elective and emergent conditions were demonstrated to have a significant difference upon completion of a fellowship. There was no difference between orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons.ConclusionsIn order to provide an efficient and safe service covering the broad spectrum of spinal pathology, a formal spine fellowship, ideally with a formal curriculum, should be considered.

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